Ghost of Tsushima, an epic open-world action and adventure game with breathtaking graphics and spectacular combat dynamics, has already managed to make quite the impact — despite the fact that it was only released in October 2020, while the multiplayer version only came on the market in 2021.
The beautiful third-person action adventure game with a Samurai theme especially appeals to players who love Japanese culture, but gamers who enjoy strategic challenges will also have a blast.
No matter how good a game is, players will eventually look for variety. If you enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll love these titles, too.
Ghost of Tsushima Game Features
 Release Date: | July 17, 2020 |
 Developer: | Sucker Punch Productions |
 Publisher: | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
 Platforms: | PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 |
 Genre: | Action-adventure |
 Setting: | Ancient Japan |
 Game Modes: | Single-player, multiplayer |
1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Another Samurai-themed action-adventure game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the perfect choice for players who want to get stuck in on their own — this game only has a singleplayer mode.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is played from a third-person perspective and features an advanced skill tree as well as the same exciting stealth elements you’ll recognize from Ghost of Tsushima.
There’s never a dull moment in the PlayStation game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which transports the player back to a medieval Japan where bloodshed is always lurking around the corner.
From vicious Samurai to giant serpents and corrupted monks, players will have to defeat unique enemies, each more terrifying than the last, to make it to the end.
While Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not a role-playing game, it does have a compelling story line, as players take on the role of Wolf, who sets out to rescue his master and get revenge.
The game, released in 2019, has similarly stunning graphics. Anyone who enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima will love Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, too.
- Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: July 2020
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
2. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an open-world survival RPG with a Norse theme. Players take on the role of the Viking shieldsman Eivor Varindottir to lead a crew of raiders and rain destruction down on their enemies, while expanding their territory and building settlements.
The game’s setting couldn’t be more different than Ghost of Tsushima, but gamers who enjoyed the gameplay style and dynamics will effortlessly slide into the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, where a complex combat system awaits, along with countless character customization options.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is, above all, about strategy. Do you have what it takes? Will you forge the right alliances and slay your enemies? With more than 1.8 million active players across the globe, an entire community is waiting to fight you.
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: November 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
3. For Honor
For Honor is an exciting fantasy action game set in a fictional medieval era. Gamers can choose to play as a hero from one of five unique factions — the Iron Legion, Warborn, Dawn Empire, the Wu Lin, and Outlander.
The Dawn Empire represents the Samurai, giving Ghost of Tsushima fans the chance to branch out within the same theme.
The fact that all For Honor factions have unique skill sets and weapons, as well as combat styles, make this action RPG all the more interesting.
Those who get bored after exploring one faction can simply start the game in an entirely new role, where they’ll have to master new styles.
For Honor can be played in singleplayer mode as well as in multiplayer. Player versus player combat has an interesting system; you will enter an arena-style duel that allows you to set your weapons up in the best possible way.
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: November 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
4. Horizon Zero Dawn
Horizon Zero Dawn is an open-world action RPG in which players embody the role of Aloy, a lone hunter making his way through a forbidding post-apocalyptic setting dominated by terrifying robots.
Played from a third-person perspective, Horizon Zero Dawn calls in players to survive in this brutal landscape.
You’ll be able to choose from traps, arrows, explosives, and even a spear, relying on Focus, a scanner, to help you uncover your enemies’ unique vulnerabilities.
Horizon Zero Dawn is a singleplayer game, but that doesn’t mean that players will get bored any time soon. The map features four exciting biomes, and your travels will require you to try your luck at parkour while avoiding the dreaded Corrupted Zones — or, if you’re brave enough, trying to beat the powerful enemies lurking within.
What would Ghost of Tsushima be like if the setting was replaced by a modern post-apocalyptic, dystopian, landscape? Corrupted Zones is about as close as you’ll be able to come, and the game doesn’t disappoint.
- Developer: Guerilla Games
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: February 2017
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
5. Samurai Warriors 5
Those gamers who are desperate for another Samurai-themed game might like to dive into Samurai Warriors 5 (Sengoku Musou 5).
This game doesn’t share much in common with Ghost of Tsushima beyond its theme, as Samurai Warriors 5 squarely falls into the “hack and slash” genre where players face wave after wave of enenemies.
Samurai Warriors 5 is a reboot of the original Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada, with updated graphics, amazing warrior redesigns, and original music.
This cross-platform game features an active community, but is also playable in singleplayer.
- Developer: Omega Force
- Publisher: Koei Tecmo
- Release Date: June 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Amazon Luna
6. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
This Tolkien-inspired open-world fantasy action game will easily capture the imagination of any player who loved the dynamics of Ghost of Tsushima, and remains a classic despite the fact that it has been around for nearly a decade.
You spawn as Talion, a ranger in search of revenge. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a third-person game that calls on players to explore the world, and locate enemies to defeat them, by way of a combination of challenging parkour moves, monsters that can be mounted, and forge towers.
Although Talion is completely consumed by his urgent need for vengeance, there is plenty of time to engage in exciting side quests that allow players to access novel abilities to improve combat, whether they prefer to take a melee, ranged, or stealth approach.
To keep track of the ever more powerful enemies, the game’s Nemesis System highlights the more talented foes to watch out for. This game is only available in singleplayer.
- Developer: Monolith Productions
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: September 2014
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Based on the exceptionally popular Witcher books and TV show, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is, as the title already suggests, the third installment in the Witcher game franchise.
The third-person action game was released in 2015 (and in 2022 for Xbox X/S and PlayStation 5), so it’s not new by any stretch of the imagination.
Those who still haven’t played he Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are, however, still likely to have a great time if they enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a wide-open action RPG in which players, of course, assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher himself.
Fighting against human as well as super-natural enemies, the player has to make sure to use the right weapon for the job — while simultaneously dodging attacks. Watch out, because different monsters will spawn at different times of the day and night.
The game’s story line is quite rich, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt features AI that was advanced for its time and still isn’t too shabby in 2022.
Unless you specifically loved Ghost of Tsushima for its Japanese lore, you will have no trouble fitting into the dynamic world of the Witcher, and immersing yourself in the rich stories found in Slavic mythology.
One possible drawback is that this game is only available in singleplayer.
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Publisher: CD Projeckt
- Release Date: May 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S
8. Mark of the Ninja
Players who enjoyed the Samurai themes in Ghost of Tsushima and who are now on the lookout for similar games, but who are not too hung up on the immersive graphics and world-building may have fun playing Mark of the Ninja.
Mark of the Ninja is a next-level side-scroller with gorgeous graphics focused on stealth-based platforms.
Players take on the character of a modern-day Ninja who needs to stay hidden and assassinate targets without being spotted.
Uniquely, players see only what the character would also be able to spot, and enemies may not become visible until the last moment. These interesting dynamics are sure to keep gamers on their toes.
Mark of the Ninja, released in 2012, is another singleplayer game.
- Developer: Klei Entertainment
- Publisher: Microsoft Studios
- Release Date: September 2012
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
9. Aragami
Aragami is a fascinating action-adventure game in which, reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima, the player controls an undead assassin.
This open-world game has 13 chapters, which players are invited to complete in order.
That’s easier said than done, because the game, which is played from a third-person perspective, requires gamers to collect key resources and remove obstacles, all while trying to avoid being murdered by the numerous patrolling guards.
The best thing? Aragami is a multiplayer game, so if you’ve had enough of playing solo, you can tackle the challenges with a group of friends, or test your skills against those of strangers on the internet.
- Developer: Lince Works
- Publisher: Lince Works, Merge Games, Maximum Games
- Release Date: October 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Luna
10. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2, the third installment in the famous Red Dead series, is an action-packed adventure game that allows players to explore a fictionalized version of the Wild West.
Players can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives in this vast open-world game, while fighting off enemy gangs and making critical choices that will forever change the rest of the plot.
Singleplayer gamers take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a lieutenant in a powerful Dutch gang with plenty of enemies — all while the Wild West is crumbling beneath their feet.
This game can also, meanwhile, be played in multiplayer mode. Having won a whole bunch of Game of the Year awards, Red Dead Redemption 2 is well worth checking out.
- Developer: Rockstar Studios
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release Date: October 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
11. Nioh 2
Players who are simply not ready to leave the exciting Japanese landscape of Ghost of Tsushima behind yet can find a lot to like in Nioh 2, the sequel to Nioh, which was released in 2020.
Nioh 2 is a thrilling action RPG set in 16th century Japan. They’ll play as Hide, a so-called Shiftling, with great character customization options.
Not only do players wade through a fictional version of actual historic events, they’ll also come face to face with famous Japanese warlords, Samurai, and political figures — making Nioh 2 a win for the history nerds out there.
While players start the game with basic weapons, they’ll gain new skills and the ability to acquire more powerful swords and other Japanese weapons as they advance.
Defeating enemy spirits gives gamers the chance to get rare and valuable drops, meanwhile.
Nioh 2 is the perfect game choice for Ghost of Tsushima fans who prefer cooperative multiplayer games over competitive ones.
- Developer: Team Ninja, Kou Shibusawa
- Publisher: Koei Tecmo
- Release Date: March 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
First released in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains a popular fantasy action RPG.
Set in a magical realm populated by humans as well as other creatures, Skyrim is a punishingly cold northern province littered with exciting content to be discovered — caves, dungeons, cities, fortresses, and towns are just the start.
Players create their very own character, which can be human, elven, orc, or something else entirely, and can choose between first- and third-person modes.
The skills they start off with depend on the choices they make at the beginning, and from there, gamers start going on NPC quests to gain new skill perks.
Watch out for the wild creatures, including dragons, because you never know which ones are scared of you and which will do their best to kill you.
The rich world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is what has allowed the RPG to remain beloved more than a decade after its release, and this is a singleplayer-only game.
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Release Date: November 2011
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
13. Yakuza 0
It might not be set in medieval Japan, but you’ll still encounter plenty of challenging Japanese enemies in this interesting action-adventure game, as well as being able to explore a massive open world.
Set in the 1980s, Yakuza 0 calls on gamers to level their skill trees up by completing quests for the Japanese mafia.
This exciting singleplayer game features multiple different combat styles, but watch out, as players also need to earn money!
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: March 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Luna
14. Judgment
Gamers who are interested in a slightly newer incarnation of the Yakuza series might instead like to check out the spin-off Judgment.
This action-adventure game is set in the same universe, but has wildly updated gameplay mechanics.
Gamers play as Takayuki Yagami, a private detective attempting to solve a murder, as well as a choice of side quests.
They’ll battle the enemies they encounter along the way using a combat system similar to the one used in the Yakuza series, which allows different modes for fighting groups and single enemies.
Those who’d prefer something a little different can instead focus opt for the game’s investigation mode, where players focus entirely on solving the crime by hunting for clues — which, of course, requires plenty of sleuthing and lock-picking, turning Judgment into a puzzle game.
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: December 2018
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Amazon Luna
15. Marvel’s Spider-Man
Marvel’s Spider-Man, the action-adventure game originally designed for PlayStation 4, might not at first sight seem to have much in common with Ghost of Tsushima, but fans of the Samurai-themed game will have great fun swinging through New York if they loved the open-world aspects of Ghost of Tsushima.
Players (obviously) take on the role of the famous webslinger, so they’ll be swinging, shooting webs, and engaging in fights with the Spider-Man villains we’ve all come to know and love.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is Spidey on steroids, though, because gamer’s, who play from a third-person perspective, can also upgrade their suits and even set off EMPs.
- Developer: Insomniac Games
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release Date: September 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
16. Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 is an exciting action-adventure game played from a first-person perspective that relies on stealth elements to assassinate enemies, complete side missions, and use supernatural abilities to beat the game.
Players can take on the role of either Empress Emily Kaldwin or as the bodyguard Corvo Attano, both of which have unique abilities.
Explore the vast world and try to eliminate your enemies before they spot you, because this game as advanced line of sight mechanics that can throw a wrench in the works once in a while.
This creative game features non-linear play that allows gamers to decide what direction they’ll go in — those who favor violence can go all out, but stealth options that allow for non-fatal combat are also available.
- Developer: Arkane Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Release Date: November 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
17. Just Cause
Ghost of Tsushima fans who enjoyed the righteous indignation element of the game might enjoy playing the third person action-adventure game Just Cause, which was released in 2006 and has gained quite the following.
The aim of the game lies in overthrowing the dictator of a dictator in the fictional Caribbean nation of San Esperito, who is suspected of harboring weapons of mass destruction. Players take on the role of Rico Rodriguez, an intelligence operative who will need to engage in close-quarters combat as well as securing vehicles and performing stunts.
Part of the appeal of Just Cause lies in the vast open world.
- Developer: Avalanche Studios
- Publisher: Eidos Interactive
- Release Date: September 2006
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360
18. Onimusha Warlords
Last but not least, Onimusha Warlords is one of the games that inspired the creators of Ghost of Tsushima — so it’s hard to skip over this one!
Onimusha Warlords is a hack and slash adventure game that was first released in 2001.
It follows the Samurai Samanosuke Akechi, who battles the evil forces of Nobunaga Oda and is successful, but still has to rescue the princess Yuki, who was abducted by monsters.
The player character, who can invoke magical abilities, has to fight off demons while progressing through the game by solving a succession of puzzles.
The protagonist starts off with a simple katana, but can upgrade to other weapons that include ranged options.
The gameplay is now already a bit outdated, but gamers who want to gain insights into Ghost of Tsushima’s origins should definitely check out Onimusha Warlords, which remains enjoyable to play and is only available in singleplayer mode.
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: January 2001
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
A Final Word
While there’s nothing quite like Ghost of Tsushima, all of the games that made it onto this list share similarities. Whether you’re after an open-world action-adventure game set in a whole new culture, or even an entirely different era, or you’re after more epic Samurai fights, you won’t get bored by exploring these games like Ghost of Tsushima.
Which ones are the best, you ask? Our top picks would be Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but players who are itching for more Samurai games should instead go for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Mark of the Ninja.
